John K. Pierre
Southern University and A&M College Chancellor
WHY DID YOU JOIN THE CPEX BOARD?
The work CPEX does is vital to the development and progress of our region. They provide resources to countless organizations and offer a clear, strategic vision for strengthening our communities. During my time at Southern University and the Law Center, I saw their impact firsthand. To me, it’s essential that we all choose to be part of the solution rather than the problem — and CPEX helps people and places get where they need to be.
WHY IS THE WORK THAT CPEX DOES SO IMPORTANT?
Communities thrive when they’re forward-thinking. People want to live in places that are moving toward something better, and that kind of transformation fosters opportunity. CPEX helps communities think strategically about their future so they remain relevant and resilient. And being in the capital city, we have a responsibility to lead for the state of Louisiana — CPEX plays a key role in that.
What can planning organizations do to more effectively address inequities and create opportunities in historically under-resourced communities?
CPEX is already doing one of the most important things — reaching out to people who serve under-resourced communities. When we elevate these neighborhoods by bringing in facilities, resources, and opportunities, it lifts the entire city. Too often, young people leave to find opportunities elsewhere — but when they see their communities improving and feel a sense of investment, they’re far more likely to stay and help build a stronger future.
What experiences have shaped your approach to systemic change?
Engagement is key. You have to understand the needs of your community and stay connected to them. After disasters like the 2016 Baton Rouge flood, it became clear how deeply these events affected every part of our community — but also how unequally. Higher-income households recovered much faster, while under-resourced neighborhoods struggled. You can’t just abandon those communities — you have to help them rebuild and elevate. We have so many talented, vital people in those neighborhoods who are essential to the growth of our entire community. That’s why it’s critical to support them, especially in times of crisis. When people see that we’re all in it together, that we care about how they’re doing and want them to succeed, they’re far more willing to step up and do what it takes to achieve progress — not just for themselves, but for everyone.
What personal experiences have shaped how you think about community and place?
Growing up in the rural farming community of Laurel, Louisiana, I saw people come together every day to support each other — neighbors helping build a house for a young family, creating community centers through shared effort. That sense of working together stayed with me. Later, during Katrina, I saw how unprepared systems were to meet people’s needs, and through legal efforts—including lawsuits and clinics—I helped support disaster recovery and strengthen resilience. Those experiences taught me how critical it is to prepare communities for challenges, help them recover, and give them the tools to build lasting resilience.
What makes you most hopeful about the future of Louisiana?
The spirit of our people. Even when policies or decisions seem shortsighted, the resilience and determination of our communities give me hope. People are beginning to understand the trade-offs of certain choices, and there’s a growing willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. That collective understanding — that we’re all connected — is what will help us build stronger, more just communities.
Jessica McKelvie Kemp, PhD
Vice President
What first brought you to CPEX, and what has kept you here over the years?
I first witnessed the complexities, challenges, and opportunities associated with planning in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Seeing CPEX use urban planning tools and processes to cultivate shared vision and community-led strategies for improving quality of life across the state made me want to be part of it. I’ve been here for almost 13 years because the work is mission-driven and constantly evolving to meet community needs — we’re always innovating for the greater good, and I love that.
How has CPEX changed — and stayed the same — during your time here?
Since its inception, CPEX has evolved to meet the changing needs of the state — from recovery planning after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, to resilience and adaptation planning along the coast, to healthy community planning and design in rural Louisiana, to statewide climate resilience planning. We’ve expanded our services and expertise to meet the diverse needs of communities throughout Louisiana.
What hasn’t changed is our practice of meeting people and communities where they are; our core belief that good planning is community-led; and our commitment to helping Louisianans think big about what’s possible for our shared future.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in this field?
Learn to be an excellent listener. Fruitful partnerships, great plans, solid policy, and successful implementation are all built on a foundation of shared understanding among diverse stakeholders — and that only comes through careful listening and mutual respect.
If you could sum up your time at CPEX in one word (or phrase), what would it be?
“Time well spent.” It’s incredibly rewarding to work toward making Louisiana a better place, surrounded by people who are just as passionate about doing the same.
What’s something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I was raised by hippies on a farm in the Ozarks.
East Baton Rouge Parish Complete Streets Policy Ranked Among Nation’s Best
In a major recognition of East Baton Rouge Parish’s commitment to safer, more accessible streets, the Complete Streets policy submitted by CPEX was named one of the Top 10 Best Complete Streets Policies of the Last Two Years by Smart Growth America. The parish’s policy ranked sixth in the nation, standing out among 43 new policies adopted across the country in 2023 and 2024.
What Are Complete Streets?
Complete Streets is a transformative approach to planning, designing, building, and maintaining streets to ensure safe, convenient access for everyone—whether walking, biking, riding transit, or driving. This approach prioritizes the needs of people historically left out of transportation decision-making and shifts the focus away from vehicle speed to emphasize safety and accessibility.
The Best Complete Streets Policies 2025 report highlights policies that lead with equity, improve public health, and create streets that work for all users. Baton Rouge’s policy reflects these values and sets a high standard for inclusive, forward-thinking street design.
CPEX was proud to facilitate and support the policy’s development on behalf of East Baton Rouge Parish. This recognition affirms not only the strength of the policy itself but also the community-driven process that informed its priorities—placing people at the center of transportation planning.
Why This Matters
Complete Streets isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about equity, health, opportunity, and economic growth. By designing streets that serve everyone, we help create safer neighborhoods, improve mobility for vulnerable populations, strengthen local economies, and foster a stronger sense of community.
CPEX looks forward to continuing this work, building on the success of the policy to bring Complete Streets principles to more communities across Louisiana.